| Despite the high rates of constructing and deploying | | | | 5. Close the lid, if applicable use a bungee cord to keep |
| large panels to generate electricity remains expensive, | | | | it tight. |
| high demands of using solar power is rapidly heating | | | | 6. You can add a pop-up circuit breaker between the |
| up. People strive to invent solar power generators out | | | | positive terminal and the volt meter. An amp meter |
| of using parts that are easily available in local stores. I | | | | can also be used if preferred. The panels used here |
| will discuss shortly the steps on how to make a solar | | | | have built-in bypass diodes, but for those who are |
| power generator that is great for power failures and | | | | using panels without diodes, charge collectors are |
| life outside the power grid. | | | | more recommended. A voltage regulator is not |
| A simple solar generator is made up of solar panels | | | | necessary for a small system, however a larger |
| (which must be placed where they will receive the | | | | system would require one. |
| most possible sunlight), a deep cycle battery for | | | | Now you already know how to make a solar power |
| continuous use, and an inverter. | | | | generator. So after the procedure, put the panel in the |
| But first we will need the following materials :o Small | | | | sun. It typically takes 5-8 hours to charge a dead |
| solar panel (12-16 volts)o Battery (any size deep cycle | | | | battery and 1-3 hours for a weak one. It can run radios, |
| 12 volt lead or acid or gel battery)o Battery box- to | | | | fans and small wattage lights all night, or around 5 |
| cover up the exposed terminalso 12 volt DC metero | | | | hours of continuous us of a 115 volt AD, or about an |
| DC inputo Inverter (115 volts, 140 watts)- necessary to | | | | hour of boiling water. This system can also be added |
| convert the DC power stored in the battery into AC | | | | on to with larger panels, inverters, and batteries. Also, |
| power | | | | this is enough to power DC appliances, and |
| How to make a solar power generator : | | | | commercially available appliances like fans, one-pint |
| 1. Attach the meter and DC input to the top of the box | | | | water boilers, lights, hair dryers, baby bottle warmers, |
| using a drill. | | | | and vacuum cleaners. Most cassette players, |
| 2. Attach the meter to the wing nut terminals on the | | | | answering machines and other electrical appliances are |
| battery using an insulated wire, connecting the negative | | | | already DC and with the right cable will run straight off |
| pole first. Attach only one wire at a time. | | | | the box. A solar powered generator is an excellent |
| 3. Connect the DC inlet to the battery using the same | | | | device to have at home. As a most basic explanation, |
| method. | | | | a solar generator works by converting solar energy |
| 4. Connect the solar panel to the battery using the | | | | into electrical energy that can be used to keep |
| same method. | | | | appliances always on the go. |